Invasive Carp Found in St. Croix River

Five bighead carp were captured in the St. Croix River in the past week, just south of Stillwater near the Xcel Energy power plant, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This is the furthest upstream invasive carp have been detected in the St. Croix, and is about 7 miles north of the previous point. Prior to these captures, four bighead carp have been taken in the St. Croix River, dating back to 1996. The DNR and anglers caught the fish. The DNR is grateful to the anglers that captured the fish and reported it by sending photos so they could be verified and follow-up sampling could be done in a timely fashion. The DNR responded with intensive sampling in an effort to determine if more invasive carp are in the area. Silver and bighead carp are two of four species of invasive carp threatening the Mississippi River and other native ecosystems. They can grow to 60 pounds, impacting the base of the food chain by consuming large amounts of plankton relied on by native fish. Populations of bighead and silver carp are established in the Mississippi River and its tributaries from southern Iowa northward. While bighead and silver carp have been found as far north as Hastings, there is no evidence bighead or silver carp are reproducing in the Minnesota waters of the Mississippi or St. Croix rivers. The DNR reminds anyone who catches a bighead, silver, black, or grass carp to immediately contact the DNR at 888-646-6367. Do not release the fish. Take a photo, and store the fish until it can be delivered to the DNR.